Will the bright lights of the Championship woo Sheridan?

JOHN Sheridan could be the man to lead Barnsley in the npower Championship next season, but there was growing speculation last night that Rochdale boss Keith Hill had done a U-turn on his original decision to snub the club.

Hill failed to agree terms with the Reds having been offered the job by Oakwell owner Patrick Cryne earlier this month.

U-turn: Keith Hill

The club’s search for a manager has certainly taken a few twists and turns with Danny Wilson their first choice following Mark Robins’ resignation 16 days ago. But Wilson was unveiled as the new Sheffield United boss last Friday with Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade installed as the Reds’ next choice.O’s chairman Barry Hearn rejected the Reds’ approach for their man, although it is unclear whether Cryne and his team had been able to make further progress in trying to get Slade to sign on the dotted line.

Former Charlton Athletic boss Phil Parkinson has been linked with the role, but over the last couple of days Sprirites boss Sheridan - who has one year left to run on his current contract - and Dale’s Hill have shot up the pecking order.

However, the question has to be asked why would Sheridan move to Barnsley with his job secured at the B2net Stadium? Well, for one the 46-year-old could probably at least double his wages with a move to a Championship club. He may of course been handed a deserved bonus after guiding the club to the League Two title and won him the Managers’ Association Manager of the Year award.

Having won promotion Spireites’ supporters want Sheridan to stay, but in football the chances to manage in a higher division - and to further your career - are few and far between.

Former Reds’ boss Robins was a prime example, having worked wonders at League Two Rotherham he jumped ship and made the leap in two divisions. And the former Manchester United man showed he wasn’t out of his depth.

Stretford-born Sheridan started his managerial career with Oldham before taking over from Lee Richardson in 2009.

In 96 games in charge Sheridan has guided the club to 46 wins and 21 draws, with just 29 losses at an impressive average win percentage of 47.92.

But could the lure of coaching at two divisions higher than last season lure him away from the Spireites?